Nature Recovery Fund: Wilder Communities 

To meaningfully engage young people with nature, and environmental challenges on their doorstep, we want to create opportunities that suit their skills and ambitions.

We want to develop a range of opportunities that young people have told us they want from regular youth rangers groups to activities that focus on nature connection and wellbeing. We want to offer paid traineeships to support the next generation of conservationists which can be accessed by any young person.  

We launched our Nature Action Network in 2023 with members ranging from schools and churches to community groups and parish councils. Together, we aim to bring about change through collaboration and advocacy.

While we have successfully delivered actions contributing to protecting Lugg Meadows and securing more space for nature in Hereford, we need the resources to grow and develop the network to have greater impact for wildlife and communities across the county. 

We estimate that our nature reserves receive over 300,000 visits annually and it’s fantastic that we can provide people with natural green spaces where they can connect with nature. However, very few of our sites are truly accessible to all. Many are hard to find, are difficult to navigate and are inaccessible to those with limited mobility.

We want to improve five key nature reserves for wildlife and for people including upgrading facilities, access and engagement as well as habitat improvements. These sites will be easy to travel to either by public transport or car (both where possible). You will feel welcomed on arrival with clear signage to show you where to go interpretation to engage all ages with the habitats and wildlife you will encounter. Where possible, wheelchair and mobility scooter users will find accessible paths to follow.  

We have begun to implement improvements at our flagship site Queenswood Country Park & Arboretum but are keen to expand this project over the next few years.